A^ 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


11.25 


1^121    12.5 


2.0 

U    11.6 


-    6" 


Science 
Corporalion 


23  WIST  MAIN  STMIT 

\aBSTIR,N.Y.  I4SS0 

(71«)  •72-4903 


\ 


^. 


<^ 


o^ 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHIVI/ICIVIH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  da  microraproductlons  liistoriquas 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notaa/Notas  tachniquas  at  bibliographiquaa 


Tha  Inatituta  has  attamptad  to  obtain  tha  baat 
original  copy  availabia  for  filming,  Faaturaa  of  thia 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographicaliy  uniqua, 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  imagaa  in  tha 
raproduction.  or  which  may  significantly  changa 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  chaclted  below. 


□ 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


I     I   Covers  damaged/ 


D 


Couverture  endommagAe 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurAe  et/ou  peliiculte 


I      I   Cover  title  massing/ 


Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  gtographlques  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


I      I   Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 


D 


Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 


Bound  with  other  material/ 
ReiiA  avac  d'autres  documents 


rri    Tight  binding  may  catise  shadows  or  distortion 


D 


n 


along  interior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serrie  pect  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 

distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  intirieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajouttes 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  AtA  filmtes. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplAmentaires: 


to 


L'Institut  a  microf  ilmA  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  At*  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  ditaiic 
da  cat  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-Atre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibiiographiqua.  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mAthode  normale  de  filmage 
aont  indiquis  ci-dassous. 


I      I   Coloured  pages/ 


Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagAas 

Pages  restored  and/oi 

Pages  restauries  et/ou  pelliculAes 


ryt   Pages  damaged/ 

I      I    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 


~^    Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
2^    Pages  dicolor6es,  tachetdes  ou  piqudes 


□    Pages  detached/ 
Pages  d^tachies 


~~7    Showthrough/ 
"^   Transparence 


r~71    Quality  of  print  varies/ 


D 


Quality  in^gaia  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  mst6riel  suppiimentaire 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Mition  disponible 


Pages  whoily  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  tc 
ensuij  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  6ti  flimies  A  nouveau  de  fapon  d 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


Tl 

P< 
o1 
fil 


Oi 
b( 
th 
ail 
ot 
fil 
si( 
or 


Tl 
sli 
Tl 
w 


M 
di 
er 
be 

rii 
re 
m 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film*  au  taux  de  rMuction  indiquA  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 

I    I    I    I    I    I    I    I    I    I    |y|    I    I 


26X 


30X 


12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


The  copy  filmed  here  hae  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

Library  of  the  Pubiic 
Archives  of  Canada 


L'exempiaire  fiim4  fut  reproduit  grice  i  la 
gAnArosit*  de: 

la  bibiiothAque  des  Archives 
publiques  du  Canada 


The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  Iceeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  '^nd  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — ^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Las  images  suivantes  ont  Ati  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  at 
de  la  nettetA  de  l'exempiaire  film*,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 

Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimAe  sent  filmfo  en  commen9ant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  salon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  filmte  en  commen9ant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaftra  sur  la 
derniire  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbols  — »•  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbols  ▼  signifie  "FIN". 


ly/laps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
filmte  A  des  taux  de  r6duction  diff Arents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clichA,  11  est  film*  A  partir 
de  I'angle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  A  drc-ite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  nAcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mtthode. 


[  ■},% 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

>•    4 

5 

6 

■-    ■ 

I 


•'*      i 


DEeLARATION, 

B  Y    /r  H  E 

REPRESENTATIYSS 

K  OF    THE 

llnited  Colonies  of  North^Americd^ 

MET  in   GENERAL  CONGRESS^    i 

SSTTI^lO  FORTH 

;   TheCAUSES  and  NECESSITY    ! 

^     of  their  taking  up  Arms,  « 

■''-■■'  » 

:    All     A  D  D  R  E  S  S     ; 

FROM  i 

The  Twelve  United  Colonies^  : 

By  their  D£L£GATB«  in  CoNGR£$s, 

To  the  Inhabitants  of  Great-Britain* 


PHILADELPHIA,  Printed  by  W.  andT.BttAofORo/ 

And  DEVIZIS  Re-printed  by  T*  Buna o vow,  177^ 

..    .  pWce  THREE.PENCE4:„i._i^.        4 


I5EGLARATION,    &c. 

|F  it  was  pollible  for  men,'  >vho  exercife  their  reafoh 
>ro  believe^  tiiat  the  divLne  Authof  of  our  exiftencq^ 
intended  b  partol  the  inunan  ra^e  \x>  hold  41)  ab« 
folute  property  in,  aiul  an  iinboqnded  power  over 
ethers,  nvirkodoiM:  by  his  iafinite  gnodnefs  and 
wifdcm,  &5  tlreobjeftsof  a  legal  dominatiori,  never 
rightfully  reliftible,  however  f^vere  and  opprelHve,  tii^  inh^bt- 
tantsof  thefe  colonies  mi^it  at  leafi  feqtiirt  Irom  the  parliament 
of  Great- Britain,  fome  evidence,  that  this  dreadful  authority 
over  them  has  been  grilnted  to  that  body.  Rut  a  reverence  for 
our  great  Creator,  principles  gfltumauity,  and  the  dilates  of 
common  fcnfe^mMt  convince  all  thofe  who  reflet  upon  the  Ailu^» 
that  government  was  inftituted  to  promote  the  welfare  of  that 
mankind,  an^oaghtto  be  adninifter^d  for  the  attainment  of 
end.  The  legiflature  of  Great  Britain,  however  ftimulated  by  an 
inordinate  pafPon  for  a  pow^r  not  ^nly  unjiiitifiable,  but  whicli 
they  know  to  be  peculiarly  reprobated  by  the  very  conftitution 
of  that  kingdom,  md  de^rateof  fi^cpefs  ii)  any  mode  of  conteft, 
where  regard  fliouldbe  had  to  trH^h,  laiy,  or  right,  hare.at  length, 
deferting  thofe,  attempted  to  effeft  their  cruel  and  impolitic  pur- 
pofe  of  enflaving  tliefe  colonies  by  violence,  and  thereby  have  ren- 
dered it  necelTary  for  us  to  clofe  with  their  lad  appeal  from  rea- 
fon  to  arms.  Yet,  however  blinded  t^jat  alfembly  may  be,  by 
tltdr  intemperate  rage  for  unlimited  domination,  fo  to  flight 
jufticc,  and  the  opinion  of  mankind,  we  efteem  ourfelves  bound 
by  oblifl;atl0ns  of  refpe^  to  the  celtof  tlie  world,  to  niakc  known 
the  jiiftice  of  our  caufe. 

Cur  fore-fathers,  inhabitknts  of  the  ifland  of  Great-Britain, 
left  their  native  land,  to  feek  on  thefe  fhores  a  refidence  for 
divil  and  religious  Freedom.  At  the  expence  of  their  blood,  at 
the  hazard  of  fortunes,  wttiiout  th^  leait  ch^ige  to  the  -coiuitry 
from  which  they  removed,  by  imceafing  labour,  and  an  unconqufer- 
able  fpiri<,  tiicy  eftefled.  fettlements  in  the  dilUnt  ami  inhofpi- 
tablc  w  ilds  of  America,  then  filled  with  numerous  and  wailike 
rations  of  barbarians.    Societies  or  govenuhehtSj   veiled    with 

perfedl 


C    3    > 

pcrfeft  legiflatures.  '.verc  formed  under  chittcn  from  thiij  crown, , 
atul  an  harinonious  intercoiwfe  was  eftablifhed  betwten  *1ie  c6-. 
l^Hies  and  the  kingdom   'on  which  Ihey  derived  thdi*  origin. 
The  mutual  bcnefns  of  this  union  became  in  a  fhoit  time  foex- 
traordii«ry  as  to  excite  aHonifhment.    If  is  univerfally  cbftftf- 
fcd,  thjt  the  amazing  increafc  of  the  wealth,  ftrength,  and  na-' 
vififation  of  the  realm,  arofe  from  this  fource;    and  thift  minifter 
who  fo  wifely  and  fuccefsfully  direfted  the  meafures  ofGrtat- 
Britain  in  tiie  late  war,    publ'ciy  declared,   that  the/^  c61ofii6s 
enabled  her  to  triumph  over  her  enemies.    Towards  the  conclu- 
fion  ofthntwar,  it  pica  fed  our  fovereign  to  make  a  dhange  in 
hiscoimfel.     From  that  fatal  moment,  the  affairs  of  the  Brit i /h, 
empire  l^i;an  to  fall  into  coufution,  and  gradually  fljding  from 
the  fummtt  of  gloriou   prof[)erity,  to  which  they  had  been  ad- 
vanced, by  the  virtues  and  abilities  of  one  man,    are  at  lertgth 
diftrafted  by  the  convuHions,  that  now  fliake  it  to  it's  deepefl^ 
foundations.    Tiie  new  miniflry  finding  the  brave  fpes  of  Britain* 
timugh  frequently  defeated,  yet  ftill  contending,    took  up  the 
iinfortunate  idea  of  granting'  them  an  hafty  peace,  and  of  then' 
fubchiing  her  faithful  friends. 


Thefe  devoted  colonies  were  judged  to  be  in  fuch  a  ftaf<fas  to* 
prefent  victories  without  bloodihed,  and  all  the  eafy  Emolument' 
of  itatuteable  plu»>der.  The  iminterrupted  tenor  of  their  peface- 
atile  and  refpe^ful  behaviour  from  tlie  beginning  of  colonization, 
their  dutiful,  zealous  and  ufcful  fervices  during  the  war,  though 
fo  recently  and  amply  acknowledged  in  the  motl  honorable 
aianncr  by  his  majefty.  by  the  late  king,  and  by  parliament, 
could  not  fave  them  from  the  meditated  innovations.  Parlia- 
ment was  influenced  to  adopt  the  pernicious  prqjedt,  and  alfimt- 
ing  a  new  power  over  them,  have  in  thecourfe  of  eleven  years 
given  fuch  decilive  fj^cimens  of  the  fpirit  and  confequenc^s  at- 
tending tliis  power,  as  to  leave  no  doubt  concerning  the  effe^s 
of  ncquiefcence  under  it.  Tiiey  have  undertaken  to  give  au4 
grant  our  money  without  our  confent,  though  we  Have  ever  ev 
ercifed  an  exclufive  right  to  difpofe  of  our  own  prdperty ;  fta- 
tutes  have  been  pafled  tot  extendinj;  the  jurifdiiflion  of  counts  of 
Admiralty  and  Vice-Admiralty  beyond  their  ancient  limits  ; 
for  depriving  us  of  tlie  accuOonied  and  ineftimable  priviledge  of 
trial  by  jury,  in  cafes  aifeding  both  life  and  property ;  ■■  for 
fufpending  the  leglHature  of  one  of  the  colonics ;  ——for  inter- 
di^ing  all  coinimcice  of  another ;  —-—and  for  altering  fuiida-* 
mentally  the  ibrm  of  government  eftaBliyhed  by  charter,  and 
fccured  by  ads  oi  its  own  legiflatuie  folenmly  cohfirihed  by 
c. .  "  the 


•^p 


lt\  I 


r  4  ] 

the  crown;  for  exempting  the"  murderers  *  of  colonifts  from  le- 
gal trial,  and  in  cifeA  fiom  ptininiment;  for  rre^tin^^  in  a  nei^ii- 
bouring  province,  acquired  by  the  Joint  armsof  Gieat-Krit.iin  and 
America,  a  defpotifm  dangcrotis  to  our  very  exigence  ;  and  for 
quartering  foldiers  upon  the  colonilh  in  time  of  profound  peace* 
It  has  alio  been  refohcd  in  Parliamtnf,  that  colonifts  charged 
with  committing  certain  otfences,  i\x^\l  be  tranfportcd  to  Eng- 
land tq  be  tried* 

-  But  why  fhould  we  enumernte  our  iuKiries  in  detsii  ?  By  one 
l^atute  it  is  declared,  that  Parli^n^nt  c^n  "  of  riglit  n^ake  laws 
tobindus  in  all  cases  whatsorvkr."  What  is  to  defend 
IIS  againft  fo  enormoqs,  fo  unlimited  a  power?  Not  a  rma;le  ipan 
of  thofe  who  afTume  it  is  chofen  by  i\s ;  or  is  fubje^t  to  pur  con- 
troul  or  influence :  but  on  the  contrary,  they  are  all  of  them  ck- 
empt  from  the  ojperation  of  fuch  IavvS|  and  an  American  revenuei 
if  not  diverted  from  the  ofteuiible  purpofes  for  which  it  is  raifed, 
lyould  aflually  lighten  their  own  burdens  in  proportion  as  they 
ihcreafe  ours.  V\  e  faw  the  mifery  to  which  fuch  depotifm  woulq 
reduce  us.  We  for  ten  years  incelfantly  and  ineffeftually  befiegsi 
ed  the  throne  as  fu;)plicants ;  we  reafoned,  we  remonftrated  with 
parliament  in  the  mofl  mild  and  decent  language.  But  adminif- 
tration  feniiblethat  wefliould  regard  thefe  oppreflivc  meafurcttas 
freemen  ought  to  do,  fent  over  fleets  and  armies  to  enforce  them. 
The  indignation  of  the  Americans  was  rnufed  It  is  true ;  but  it 
was  the  indignation  of  a  virtuous,  loyal,  and  affedlioqate  people. 
A  Congrefs  of  Delegates  from  the  imited  colonies  was  aifembled 
at  Philadelphia,  on  the  fifth  day  of  hft  September.  We  rcfolv- 
ed  again  to  offer  an  humble  and  dutiful  petition  trt  the  King,  and 
alfo  addreffed  our  fellow  fubje£ls  of  Great-Britain.  We  have 
purfucd  every  temperate,  every  refpeflful  meafure;  we  havee- 
ven  proceeded  to  break  ofl'pur  commercial  intercourfe  with  our 
fellow  fubjc6l%  as  the  laft ;  eaceable  adnionition,  that  our  attach-^ 
ment  to  no  nation  on  earth  Ihr  uM  fupplant  our  attachment  to  li- 
berty. This,  we  flattered  ourfelves,  was  the  ultimate  ftepof  the 
controverfy :  but  fubfequcnt  events  have  fhewn,  how  vain  wa» 
this  hope  oi  finding  moderation  in  onr  enemies. 

Several  threatning  expreffions  againfl  the  colonies  were  infert- 
ed  in  his  Majefty's  ^>eech  ;  our  petition,  though  we  were  told  it 
was  a  decent  one,  that  his  Maiefty  had  been  pleafed  to  receive  it 
gracioutly,  and  to  promife  laying  it  before  his  parliament,  was 
fiuddled  into  both  houfes  amonglt  a  bundle  of  American  paperst 
^ad  there  negletCted. 

The 


.-..  The-Lord«  andGommons  in  their  addrefs^  in  tlic  mpnth  of  Fe- 
bniaryt  (^id,  that  "  a  rebellion  at  that  t  inn:  a  Anally  exifted  with- 
in the  province  of  Mairachiifett's-bay  ;  and  that  thnfe  concerned 
in  it,  had  been  countenanced  and  encouraged  by  unlawful  combi- 
nations and  eijgagemenrs,  entered  into  by  his  M  ijeftyV  fubjefts 
in  feveral  of  the  other  colonies ;  and  therefore  they  bel'ou^ht  his 
Majelly,  that  he  would  take  the  mqf\  efTeflual  meafures  to  inforce 
due  obedience  to  the  laws  and  authority  of  the  fupreme  Icgida- 
turc."— Soon  after  tlie  commercial  intercourfe  of  whole  cclonies, 
with  foreign  countries  and  with  each  other,  was  cut  off  by  ah  aft 
of  parliament :  by  another,  feveral  of  them  were  entirely  prohibit- 
ed from  the  filheries  in  tlie.  feas  near  their  coalls,  on  whicli  they 
always  depended  for  ti)cir  fui^cnance  ;  and  large  reinforcements 
of  Ihips  and  troops  were  immediately  feat  over  to  General  Gage* 

Fruitlefs  were  all  the  entreaties,  arguments  and  elnque)lce~of  ah 
'illuftrious  band  of  the  inoft  diftinguifhed  Peers  &  Commoners,  who 
n(4)ly  and  flrenuoufly  afferted  tlie  juflice  of  bur  caute,  to  ftay  or 
even  to  mitigate  the  heedlefs  fury  with  which  thefe  accumulated 
and  unexampled  outrages  were  hurried  on.— Equally  fruitlefs  wds 
the  interference  of  tlie  city  of  London,  of  Briftol,  and  many  other 
refpeAable  towns  in  our  favour.  Parliament  adopted  an  infidi- 
OU8  manoeuvre  calculated  to  divide  us^  to  eftablifh  a  perpetual 
au^ticMi  of  taxations  where  colony  fhoiild  bid  agalnft  colony,  all 
of  them  uninformed  what  ranfoht  would  redeem  their  lives,  and 
thus  to  extort  from  us  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  the  iitiknowh 
iiuns  that  fliould  be  fufficient  to  gratify,  if  pofible  to  gratify,  mi- 
niftertal  rapacity,  with  the  miferable  indulgence  left  to  us  of  rai- 
ling in  our  own  mode  the  prefcribed  tribute.  What  terms  morie 
rigid  and  humiliating  could  have  been  didlated  by  rcmorfelefs 
vidors  to  conquered  enemies  ?  In  our  circumftances  to  accept 
them  would  be  to  delerve  thcnk 

* 

Soon  after  the  intelligence  of  thefe  proceedings  arrived  on 
^his  continent.  General  Gage,  who,  in  tiie  courfeof  the  Inft  year, 
had  taken  poiteflion  of  the  town  of  BoAon,  in  the  province  of 
Maffachufettft's-bay,  and  Hill  occupied  it  as  a  garrifon,  on  the 
19th  day  of  April,  fent  out  from  that  place  a  large  detachgient 
of  his  army,  who  made  an  unprovoked  affault  on  the  inhabitants 
of  the  faid  province,  at  the  town  of  Lexington,  as.appear?  by 
the  affidavits  of  a  great  nimiber  of  perfons,  fome  of  whom  were 
officent  and  ibldiers  of  that  detachment,  murdered  eight  of  the 
iohabit^aUj  and  wounded  many  others.    From  thence  the  troops 

prcoeeded 


,'  ■■ 


■ia^: 


pro^eded  in  warlike  array  to  the  town  of  Concord,  where  they 
fet  upon  another  party  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  ftine  province, 
killing  ilevertl  ano  wounding  more,  untill  compelled  to  letrent 
by  the  country  ptople  fuddenly  aflemhied  to  repel  thi.4  cruel  ng- 
greilioii.  Hoftilities  thus  commenced  by  the  Bririfli  troops,  have 
been  iince  profecuted  by  them  without  regard  ro  taith  or  reputa- 
tion.—The  inhabitants  of  Bollon  being  contined  within  that 
town  by  the  General  their  Governor,  and  havirg  in  order  to  pro> 
cure  their  difmitT^'on.  entered  into  a  treaty  with  him,  i;  <A'a.s  fti- 
pulatedthat  T!>e  faid  inhabitants  having  depofited  their  nrms  with 
their  oifn  magiitrares,  Ihould  liave  liberty  to  depart,  taking  with 
them  their  other  effefts.  They  accordingly  delivered  u;>  their 
arm«,  but  in  open  violation  of  honor,  in  defieiice  of  theobligatio 
on  of  treaties,  which  even  fava^c  nations  efleem  facrcd,  the  Go- 
vernor orderod  the  arms  depotited  as  aforefaid,  that  they  might 
be  pieferved  for  their  owners,  to  befcized  by  a  body  of  foldier$.; 
detained,  the  greateft  part  of  the  inhabitants  in  the  town,  and 
compelled  the  few  who  were  permitted  tp  retire,  to  Icive  their 
moft  valuable  eifedls  behind. 

6y  this  perfidy,  wives  are  feparated  ^rom  their  hijfbands,  chil- 
dren from  their  parents,  the  nged  an4  tiiefick  from  their  relations 
and  friends^  who  wilhto  attend  and  comfoit  them  ;  and  thofe 
who  have  been  yfed  to  live  in  plenty^  and  even  elegjance,  arp  |e* 
duced  to  deplorable  diftrefs.  ■- 

The  General  further  emulating  hts  miniiterial  mafters*  by  ft 
proclamation  bearing  date  on  the  12th  day  of  June,  after  vent* 
ing  the  £,rofrell  falihoods  apd  calumnies  againfl  the  good  peopte 
of  thele  colonies,  proceeds  to  "  declare  them  all  eitner  by  name 
"  or  defcription  to  be  rebeU  and  traitors,  to  fupercede  the  courfe 
"  of  the  common  law,  and  inilead  tliereof  to  publifh  and  order 
"the  ufe  and  exercife  of  the  law  niartial."—- His  troops  Ipve 
butchered  our  countrymen  ;  have  wantonly  burnt  Charles-Town, 
betides  a  coniiderable  number  of  hoiifes  in  other  places ;  our  ^lips 
and  veflcls  are  feized;  thenccelTary  fuppliesof  provilions  are  in- 
tercepted, and  he  is  exerting  his  utmoll  power  to  fpread  deltruc- 
ion  and  devallation  around  him. 


We  have  received  certain  intelligence,  that  G.eneral  Carleton, 
the  Governor  of  Canada,  is  inlUgating  the  people  of  that  province 
and  the  Indians  to  fall  upon  xn  ;  and  we  have  btit  too  much  rea- 
fon  to  apprehend,  that  fchcmes- have  been  formed  to  excite  do- 


nieftick  enemies  againlt  us. 


In 


°">^i*'^-nii(^fg,i^m^ , 


In 


(    1    ) 

Ih  brief,  a  part  of  tliefe  colonies  now  feels,  and  .11  of  them 
are  fure  of  feeling,  as  far  as  the  vertgeanee  of  adminiftration  can 
infliA  them,  the  complicated  calamitio  of  fire,  fword  a»d  fa- 
mine.— We  are  reduced  to  the  alternative  of  choiing  »a  -yncoi>- 
ditional  fubnufiion  to  the  tyranny  of  irritated  miniften,  or  te- 
fUVdUce  by  forcc-^llie  latter  i»  oik  choice. "•-•'We  have  counted 
thccott  of  ihis  contclt,  and  find  nothing  fo  dreadrul  as  yoluit- 
tary  Ha  very.— Honor,  jiittice,  and  Itutnanity  forbid  us  tamely  to 
furrender  that  freedom  which  we  received  from  our  gallant  an- 
ceilors,  and  which  our  innocent  pofterity  have  a  right  to  receive 
from  us*  We  cannot  endure  the  infanoy  and  guiU  of  refigning 
fucteeding  generations  to  that  wrerchcdnef;  which  inevitalt/ 
awaits  them,  if  we  bafely  entaik  hereditary  bondage  upon  them. 

Our  caufe  is  juft*  Our  union  is  pcrfeA.  Our  iaiteroal  re- 
fources  are  great,  and  if  necellary,  foreign  alTiftance  is  undoubt- 
edly attainable.— We  gratefully  acknowledge,  as  fignal  intiances 
of  the  divine  favour  towards  us,  that  his  providence  would'iiot 
■permit  us  to  be  called  into  this  ierere  controverfy,  until  we  were 
grown  up  to  our  prefent  ftrength,  had  been  previoufly^  exercifed 
In  warlike  operations,  and  poiTefled  of  the  means  of  defending 
ourfelves.— With  hearts  fortined  with  thefe  animating  refledlions, 
\k  moil  folemnly,  before  God  and  ifteworid  docLrci  thai  ex- 
erting the  utmoft  energy  of  thofe  poiVeri,  which  oiir  beneficiertt 
Creator  hath  gracioufiy  beftowed  upon  us,  the  arms  we  have 
been  compelled  by  our  enemies  to  aflume,  we  wilt;  in  d^ance 
of  every  hazard,  with  unabating  firmtiefs  and  perf&'veranc^,  em- 
ploy for  tlie  prefervation  of  our  liberties,  being  with  one  mind 
xefolved  to  die  freemen  rather  tHan  tcr  live  flaves. 

Left  this  declaration  Ihould  difquiet  the  minds  of  our  friend^ 
and  fellow-fubjedls  in  any  part  of  the  empire,  we  afliire  them, 
that  we  mean  not  to  diflblve  that  union  which  has  fo  long  and 
fo  happily  fublifted  between  us,  and  which  we  fincerely  wifh  to 
fee  renored.  ■  »  ■■  Neceflity  has  not  yet  driven  us  into  that 
defperate  meafure,  or  induced  us  to  excite  any  other  nation 
to  war  againft  them.     ■  We  have  not  raifed  armies  with 

ambitious  defigns  of  feparating  from  Great-Britain,  and  efla- 
blifhing  independent  ftates.— — — — We  fight  not  for  glory  or 
for  conquefl.  ■-■  We  exhibit  to  mankind  the  remarkble 

fpeAacle  of  a  people  attacked  by  unprovoked  enemies,  without 
any  imputation,  or  even  fufpicion  of  offence.  They  boaft  of 
their  priviledges  and  civilization,  and  yet  proffer  no  milder  con- 
ditions than  iervitude  or  death.— «— 


■^.:'m--.^- 


:»*«!a*vi 


\^  w^ 


[    8    ] 


Tn  our  own  native  land,  in  defence  of  tlie  freedom  tliat  is  our 
birthright,  and  which  we  ever  enjoyed  'till  the  hrc  violntioo 
of  it-*for  the  proteAinn  of  our  pro|«rry,  acquired  folely  by  ilu! 
honeft  induftry  of  our  fore-fatliersandourfelves,  aeainti  violence 
adhially  offered,  we  have  taken  up  arms.  We  flrill  lay  them 
down  when  hottilities  ihall  ceafe  on  the  parr  of  the  ng^ref- 
fors,  and  all  danger  of  their  being  laiewed  Ihall  be  removed, 
and  not  before. 

With  an  humble  confidence  in  the  mefcies  of  the  fiipreme  and 
impartial  Judgf  and  Ruler  of  the  univerl'e,  we  molt  devnutlv 
implore  his  divine  goodneffi  to  condud  m  happily  throur;h 
this  great  confliA,  to  difpofe  our  adverfaiics  to  reconcilation 
on  reafonable  terms,  and  thereby  to  retieve  rlic  empire  from 
the  calamitiesof  civil  war.' 

By  Order  of  Con  OR  fs,  ^ 

r  JOHN   HANCOCK,  Prefi.fcnt. 

Attefted, 

Charles  Thompson,  Secrtta>y, 
PuiLAOBLPHiA,  JulyGlk,  1775. 


ots 


The  TWELVE  UNITED  COLONIES, 

i  By  their  Delegates  in  Congress,  *"    ) 

To  the  Inhabitants  of  Great-Britain*  f^ti 


vft 


Friends,  Coitntrymem,  andBRfiTnRBN  f 


?■■■■ 

:  - 


BY  thefe,  and  by  every  other  appellation,  that  may  defignate 
the  tics,  which  bind  US  to  each  otlier,  we  entreat  your 
ferJoui  attention  to  this  our  fecond  attempt,  to  prevent  their 
dinblution.—- K(membrance  uf  former  friendfhips,— pride  in  the 
glorious  atchicv(ments  of  our  con^mon  nnceflo/.s,  and  nife^ion 
for  the  heirs  of  their  virtues,  have  hitherto  preferved  our  mu- 
tual connection.— -~-But  when  that  fricndHiip  is  violited  by  the 
grotTed  injuries ;  when  the  pride  of  anccftry  becomes  our  re- 
proach, and  we  are  no  otherwife  allied  than  as  tyrints  and 
flaves,  when  reduced  to  the  melancholy  alternative  of  rcnounc> 
ing  your  favor,  or  our  freedom  — can  we  hefitate  about  th^ 
choice  ?    Let  the  fpirit  of  Britons  determine. 

In  a  former  Addfcfs,  we  afferted  our  Rights,  and  ihted  the 
injuries  we  had  tben  received.  We  hoped,  that  the  mention  of 
our  wrongs,  would  liave  roufcd  that  lioneft  indignation,  whicfi 

has 


k««.  .Mui»«: 


I 


t    9    ] 

his  flept  too  Ittng  A)r  your  honor,  or  the  welfare  of  the  e<h|>lrf; 
•—oBiit  we  have  not  been  .ermitted  to  entertain  this  oleafinff 
expectation ;— every  day  brought  an  acctntiulation  <rf  injurie!., 
and  the  invention  of  the  miniftry  has  been  conftantly  «xercifcd, 
in  adding  to  the  calamities  of  your  Americitn  Brethren. 

After  The  moft  valuable  right  of  legiflation  wa«  lflfringed,<^ 
when  the  powers,  aflumed  by  your  farliament,  in  which  weave 
not  repreurnted,  and  from  our  'local  and  other  circumikances, 
cannot  properly  be  reprefented,  rendered  our  property  preca« 
tIous.— After  being  denied  that  mode  of  tryal  to  which  we  have 
iong  been  indebted  for  the  fafety  of  our  perfons,  and  the  pic- 
fcrvstion  of  o\ir  Liberties  :— after  being  in  man/  inftances  di- 
vefted  of  thofe  laws,  whicli  were  tranfmitted  to  U  8,  by  ovr 
common  Anccftors,  and  fubjedjted  to  an  arbitrary  code,  com- 
piled under  the  aufpices  of  Romin  tyrants ;  after  anntilling 
thofe  charters,  which  encotiraged  our  prcdeceflbrs  t*^  bravfc 
death  and  danger  in  every  fhape,  on  unknown  feas,  in  defarts 
unexplored,  amidft  barbarotis  and  inhofpitable  nations!  '•-witen, 
without  the  form  of  tryal,  without  a  public  accufation,  whole 
colonies  were  condemned  I  their  trade  deftroyed ;  their  inhabi- 
tants impoveriflied.— When  foldiera  were  encouraged  toembrue 
their  hands' in  the  blood  of  Americans,  by  offeri  of  impunity ; 
^-wlien  new  modes  of  tryal  were  inflituted  for  the  tuin  of  the 
accufed,  where  the  charge  carried  with  it  the  horrors  of  con- 
vision;  —  when  a  despotic .  gOvivnment  was  ^ftablilhed  in  a 
neighbouring  province,  and  its  limits  extended  to  every  of  our 
frontiers ;  we  little  imagined  that  any  thing  could  be  added  to 
tliis  black  catalogue  of  unprovoked  injuries ;  -^  but  we  have 
unhappily  been  deceived  ;  and  the  late  meafures  of  the  Britifli 
miniftry  fully  convince  us,  that  their  object  is  the  redndion  of 
thefe  colonies  to  Aavery  and  ruin.  .:  -p 

To  Conyrrm  this  klTertion,  let  tis  recal  your  attentten  to  the 
affairs  of  America,  fince  our  laft  addref>  • — let  us  combat  the 
talumniesof  bur'«nemies  —  and  let  us  warn  you  of  the  dangers 
that  threaten  vrfu,  in  our  deilruAion.  Many  of  your  feliow- 
fubjcfts,  whofefituation  deprived  them  of  other  fupport,  drew 
•tijeir  maintenance  from  the  fea ;  but  the  deprivation  of  ouc 
Liberty  being  infufficicnt  to  fatisfy  the  refeutment  of  our  ene- 
mies, the  horrors  of  famine  were  fuperadded,  and  a  Britilh 
pirliament,  who,  in  better  times  were  the  prote<:ior3  of  inno- 
cence and  the  patrons  of  htimanity,  liave,  without  diftind>icn 
of  age  or  fex,   robbed  thoufands  oif  the  Jopd  which  lliey  were 

accuftsmcJ 


M      10      ) 

.t<icuftoiiied  to  draw  from  that  inexhauftible  fource,  placed  ih 
their  neighbourhood  by  tlie  benevolent  Creator. 

Another  a<^  of  your  legjllature  ihuts  our  ports  and  prohibits 
our  trade  ifith  any  but  thofe  ftates,  from  whpm  the  great  law  of 
felf  prefcrvation;  renders  it  abfolutely  neceifary  we  fhould  at 
prefent  witlic'd  our  commerce, — But  this  aft  (whatever  may 
have  been  its  defign)  we  confider  rather  as  injurious  to  your 
opulence,  tiian  thanourintercft.— — AH  our  commerce  termin- 
ates with  you;  and  the  wealth  we  procure  from  otliematious, 
h  foon  exchanged  for  your  fuperfluities. — Our  remittances  muft 
then  ceafe  with  our  trade ;  and  our  refinements  with  our  affluence. 
We  truft  however,  that  laws  which  deprive  us  of  every  bleffing, 
but  a  foil  that  team  with  the  necelf^ries  of  life,  and  that  liberty 
which  renders  tlie  enjoyment  of  them  fecure,  will  not  relax  onr 
vigour  in  their  defence. 

We  might  here  obferve  on  the  cruelty  and  inconfiftency  of 
thofe,  whoi  while  they  publickly  brand  us  with  reproachful  and 
unworthy  epitli^ts,  endeavour  to  deprive  us  of  the  means  of  de- 
fence, by  their  interpofition  with  foreign  powers,  and  to  deliver 
us  to  the  lawjefs  ravages  of  a  mctciiefs  foldiery.  But  happily 
we  are  not  without  reiources ;  and  tho*  the  timid  and  humilia- 
ting applications  of  a  BritilhminiOry  ihould  prevail  with  foreign 
nations,  yet  induftry,  prompted  by  ixece^ty,  ^ilj  not  leave  usi 
without  the  njeceffary  fupplies.  ,.,„-  [  i.^.„ 

We  could  wilh  to  go  no  farther^— and,  not  to  wound  the  ear 
of  humanity,  leave  untold  thofe  rigorous  afts  of  oppreflion  which 
«r«  daily  exercifed  in  the  town  ofBoOon,  did  we  not  hope,  that 
by  difclaiming  their  deeds,  and  punilhing  the  perpetrators,  you 
would  fliortly  vindicate  the  honor  of  the  BrUifli  name,  and  re- 
eftablilh  the  violated  lawsof  jullice. 

.  That  once  populous,  flouriihing  and  commercfal  town  is  noir 
ffarrifoned  by  an  army  fent,  not  to  proCedl:,  but  to  enflave  itg 
inhabitants—- The  civil  government  is  overturned,  and  a  military 
•defpotifm  ercfted  upon  its  ruins.'^Withoutlaw,  without  right, 
powers  are  afliimed  unknown  to  the  conftitution.—Private  pro- 
perty is  unjuftly  invaded.— The  inhabitants  daily  fiibje£ted  to 
the  licentioufneJs  of  the  foldiery,  are  forbid  to  remove  in  de- 
fiance of  their  natural  rights,  in  violation  of  the  moft  folema 
compafts.  Or  if  after  long  and  wearifome  folicitation,  a  paiii 
is  procured,  tiieir  eftefts  are  detained,  and  even  thofe  who  are 
moft  favoured,  have  no  alternative  but  poverty  or  flavery.-— 
The  diltrefs  of  many  thoufand  people,  wantonly  deprived  of  the 
neceilarics  of  life,  is  a  fubjedt  on  which  wc  would  not  wiih  to 
enlarge. 

Yet 


V  Yet  vk  cannot  biit  obfervc,  that  a  Britiih  fleet  (uftjwftified  «v- 
«n  by  atls  of  vourlegiflature)  are  daily  employed  in  ruining  our 
commerce,  feizingour  Ihips,  and  depriving  whole  communities 
of  their  daily  bread.  Nor  wills  regard  for  your  honor,  permit  iis 
to  be  filent,  while  Britiih  troops  fully  yom  glory,  by  anions 
which  the  moft  inveterate  enmity  will  not  paliate  among  civiliz- 
ed nations ;  the  wanton  and  uneceflary  deftrudion  of  Charles- 
Tov\'«,  a  large,  ancient,  and  once  populous  town,  juft  before,  dc- 
fertcd  by  its  inhabitants,  who  had  fled  to  avoid  the  fury  of  your 
foldiery« 

If  you  ftill  retain  thofe  Tentlments  of  compaflion  by  which 
Britons  have  ever  been  diftinguiihed.— If  tlie  humanity  which 
tempered  the  valour  of  our  common  anceftors,  ha»  not  dege- 
nerated into  cruelty,  you  will  lament  the  miferies  of  their  de- 
fcendants* 


4  f  < , 


.rl'\ 


;•>.,  :•' 


.  To  what  are  we  to  attribute  this  treatment  ?  If  to  any  fecret 
principle  of  tlie  conilitution  let  it  be  mentioned-**leC  us  learn 
that  the  government  we  have  long  revered  is  not  without  its  de- 
feds,  and  th^t  while  it  gives  freedom  to  a  part,  it  nece|iaiily  -en 
flaves  the  remainder  of  the  empire.  If  fuch  a  principle  exifts 
why  for  ages  has  it  ceafed  to  operated  Why  at  this  time  is  it 
called  into  adion?  Can  no  reafon  be  aiTigoed  for  t^is  cojtdud? 
Or  mult  it  be  refolved  into  the  wanton  exereife  of  arbitrary 
power  ^  And  fhskll  the  defcc'ndanta  of  Britons  tamely  fubmitto 
this*  ?— No  Sirs !  We  ncvec  will,  i«(hile  we  revere  the  memory  of 
our  patent  ahd  virtuous  anceftors,  we  never  can  furrender  tlwfe 
glorious  privileges,  for  whicii  they  fought,  bled,  and  Conquered. 
Admit  that  your  fleets  could  deflroy  our  towns,  and  ravage  our 
fea  coalls ;  •-<•  thefe  are  inconfiderable  nbjeds,  tilings  of  no  mo- 
ment, to  men  whole  bofoms  glow  with  the  ardor  of  liberty.— 
\Vt  can  retire  beyond  the  reach  of  your  navy,  and  without  any 
iienlible  diminution  of  tiie  necefTaries  of  life,  enjoy  a  luxury 
which  from  that  period  you  will  want ;  THE  LUXURY  OF 
BEING  FREE.v.    -■ ,..;•„,.,..,.■  ......      ...>^.. 

-  We  know  the  force  of  your  arms,  and  was  it  called  forth  in 
the  caufc  of  juftice  and  your  country,  we  might  dread  the  ex- 
ertion. -—But  will  Britons  fight  under  the  banners  of  tyranny  ? 
Will  they  ccuhteraft  the  labours,  and  difgrace  the  viftories 
of  their  aiiceftots?  ■  ■  ■■  Will  tliey  forge  chains  for  their  pof- 

fterity? If  they  defcend  to  this  unworthy  talk,  will  their 

fw'ords  regain  their  edge, their  arms  their  accullomcd  vi- 
gor ^         —Britons  can  never  become  the  !« '^ruments  of   op- 

prcflion 


"i  ;flf*^''^"- ■^'1ii|^'^-^-"''*'^'-'-^*'-'*-*'-**'*lMMiii^ij-j^^ 


"•*»r.*^*^«k?*^*  "- 


m^^^iUftf*i'***t^1ltlkmti>ftt  \»*i''»tt  <^ 


C  «  J 

predion,  till  they  lofe  the  fpirit  of  £reeddm,  by  which  atone  they 
ire  invincible. 

Our  enemies  charge  us  with  feditton ;  In  what  does  it  confift  ? 
fn  our  refufal  to  fUbniit  to  unwlhantable  a£ts  of  injiittice  anti 
cruelty  ?  If  fo,  fhew  us  a  period  in  your  hiilory,  in  which  you 
have  not  been  equally  fediti  JUS  ^ 

We  are  accufed  of  aiming  at  Independence;  but  how  is  this 
accufation  fupported  P  By  the  allegations  of  your  minifters/not  by 
cur  anions.'— Abufed,  infulted,  and  contemned,  what  ileps  have 
we  purfued  to  obtain  redrefs?  We  have  carried  our  dutifiil  yieti- 
tions  to  the  throne  ;— we  have  applied  to  your  juttice  for  relief, 
we  have  retrenched  our  luxury  and  witheld  our  trade. 

The  advantages  of  our  commerce  were  dettgned  as  a  compen- 
iation  for  youi  protection  :  When  youceafed  to  prote^,  for  what 
were  "'c  to  compenfate  ? 

What  has  been  the  fuccefs  of  our  endeavours  ?  The  clemency  of 
our  foveteign  is  unhappily  diverted;  our  petitions  are  treated 
with  indignity;  our  prayers  anfwered  by  infults.  Our  applica- 
tion to  you  remains  unnoticed,  and  leaves  us  the  melancholy  ap- 
prehenilon,  of  your  wanting  either  the  will,  or  the  powers,  to  af- 
fift  us. 

Even  under  thefe  circumftances,  what  meafures  have  we  taken 
that  betray  a  de(ire  of  independence  ?  Have  we  called  in  the  aid 
of  thofe  foreign  powers,  who  are  the  rivals  of  your  grandeur  f 
When  your  troops  were  few  and  defencelefs.  did  we  taEe  advan- 
tage of  their  diftrefs  and  expel,  them  our  towns  ?  Or  have  we 
permitted  them  to  fortify,  to  receive  new  aid  and  to  acquire  ad- 
ditional ilrength  ?       ..;''■  '.         "•    '  ,      i.nv  ..   ■  ■  ,.  ■     • 

Let  not  your  enemies  and  ours  perfiiade  you,  that  in  this  we 
were  influenced  by  fear  or  any  other  unwortliy  motive.  The  lives 
of  Britons  are  ftill  dear  to  us. — They  are  the  Cliildren  of  our  pa- 
rents, an  uninterupted  intercourfe  of  mutual  benefits  had  knit  the 
bonds  of  friendlhip.-When  hoftilitics  were  commenced,  when  or 
a  late  occafion  w  were  wantonly  attacked  by  your  troops,  tho* 
we  repelled  their  affnilts,  and  returned  tlieir  blows,  yet  we  la- 
mented the  wounds  they  obliged  us  to  give  ;  nor  have  we  yet 
learned  to  reioice  it  a  viflory  over  EngliDimen. 

As  we  wilh  not  to  colour  our  adtions,  or  difguife  our  thoughts ; 
we  fhall,  in  thefimple  I.ing,u3o:e  of  truth,  avow  the  meafures  we 
hive  purfued,  the  motives  upon  which  we  have  aded,  and  our 
future  deligns.  .. 

-       Whe« 


inmr '''*°""- •   *•*"'  mjiriinifc  x^i 


m§ 


ti  «3  T 


When  our  late  petition  to  the  throne  prc^uccd  no  other  cflfe^ 
than  frelh  injuries,  and  votes  of  your  legiflature,  calculated  to 
juftify  every  feverity  ;  when  your  fleets,  and  your  armies,  were 
prepared  to  wreft  (rom  us  our  property,  to  rob  us  of  our  Liberties 
or  our  lives ;  wlie^  the  hofti^e  attempts  of  General  G.ige  evinced 
his  dellgns,  we  levied  armies  for  our  fecurity  and  defence  ;  when 
the  powers  veiled  in  the  governor  of  Canada,  gave  us  reafon 
to  apprehend  danger  from  That  quarter  ;  and  we  had  frequent 
intimations,  that  a  cruel  and  favagje  eneliiy  was  to  be  let  loofe 
upon  the  defencelefs  inhabitants  of  cur  frontiers ;  we  took  fuch 
meafur  s  as  prudence  didhited,  as  necelTity  will  juftifv.  We 
poflefTed  ourfelves  of  Crown-Point  and  Ticonderoga.  Yet  give 
«s  leave,  molt  frlcirmlv  to  afliire  you,  that  we  have  not  yet  loft 
l^ght  of  the  objedl  we  have  ever  had  in  view  ;  a  reconcil  ation 
with  you  on  conftitutim^l  principles;  and  a  reftoration  of  tiiat 
friendly  intercourfe,  which,  to  the  advantage  of  both,  we 'till 
lately  maintained.  , 

The  inhabitants  of  this  country  apply  themfelves  chiefly  to 
afrriculture  and  commerce.  As  their  falhions  and  manners  are 
fimilar  to  yours,  your  markets  mult  afford  them  the  coiiveniencies 
and  luxuries,  or  which  they  exchange  the  produce  of  their  la- 
bours. The  wealth  of  this  extended  continent  centers  with  you; 
an  i  our  trade  is  fo  regulated  as  to  be  fubfervient,  only  to  your 
interefK  You  are  too  reafonable  to  expeft  that  by  taxes  (in  ad- 
di'ion  to  this)  we  Ihould  contribute  to  your  expence,  lo  believe 
after  diverting  tiie  fountain  that  the  Itreams  can  flow  with  un- 
abated force. 

Tt  has  been  fa  Id  that  we  refufe  to  fubmit  to  the  reftrielions  on 
our  commerce.  From  whence  is  this  inference  drawn  i"  Not; 
from  our  words,  we  having  repeatedly  declaicd  the  contrary, 
and  we  again  profefs  our  fubmillion  to  the  I'everal  adli  ot  trade 
and  n  ivigation  palTed  before  tlie  year  i7'>3,  trufting  neverthe- 
Itfs  in  the  equity  and  juflice  of  parliament,  that  fiicli  ot  them  as 
upon  cool  and  impartial  confideratlon,  Ihall  anpear  to  have  im- 
pofed  unnecefTary  or  grievous  reftridions,  will,  at  fnme  happier 
period,  be  repealed  or  altered.  And  we  chearfully  confent  to 
the  operation  of  fu(ih  afts  oftheHrhilh  parliament,  as  Ihall  be 
reftra'ned  to  the  regulation  of  our  "xternal  coniuierfe  for  the 
purpofe  of  fecuring  the  commercial  advantages  of  the  whole  em- 
pire to  the  mother  country,  and  the  commercial  benefits  of  its 
refpeftive  members,  excluding  every  idea  of  taxation  internal 
or  external,  for  railing  a  revenue  on  the  fubjeds  inAmeiica, 
Witliout  iheir  confent. 

It 


i 


It  is  aUedgcd  that  w«  coatribiite  noth!%  to  the  common  de- 
fence ;  to  this  we  anfwer^  that  the  advantages  which  Great". 
Britain  receives  from  tlie  monopoly  of  out  trade,  far  exceeds 
our  proportion  of  the  expence  ncceflary  for  Ilia t  purpofe.  But 
ihould  thefe  advantages  be  inadequate  ti)erel!li>,  ler  the  rcftiic- 
tions  on  our  trade  be  removed,  and  we  wil  chtcrfully  contribute 
itich  proportion  wheu  conftitutimuilly  requirdi. 

It  is  a  fundamental  principle  of  the  Britifh  cx>nftitution»  that 
every  man  ihould  have  at  lealt  a  lepiefenr-tiive  Ihkie  in  the  for- 
viation  of  thofe  laws  by  which  he  is  bound.  Were  it  otlier- 
wife,  the  regulation  of  our  internal  police  by  a  Britilh  Parlia-. 
anent,  who  are,  and  ever  will  be  unacquainted  with  our  local 
circumflances,  muft  be  always  inconvenient,  and  frequently  op- 
preiiive,  working  our  wrong,  without  yielding  any  poilible  ad-. 
Yantage  to  you.  ,  ,, .,,    .         .,,..„-.  ■.     —  ,  .- 

A  plan  of  accomjBodation  (as  it  has  been  abfiirdly  cal'ed)  has; 
keen  propofed  by  your  niinifters  to  our  refpeftive  aifemblies. 
Were  this  propofal  fr<*e  from  every  other  objection  but  tliat 
which  arifes  from  the  time  of  the  offer,  it  would  not  be  unex- 
ceptionable. Can  men  deliberate  with  the  bayonet  at  theif 
kreait?  Can  they  treat  with  freedom  while  their  towns  arc  fack" 
td ;  when  daily  inAances  of  injufticc  and  oppreflioo,  difturl^ 
the  Hower  operations  of  reafou  ? 

Jf  thi't  prcpcptl  ii  realy  fiKh  at  you  Jhould  offer ^  and  ^xe  aC", 
fspt,  "why  was  it  delayed  till  the  nation  Tvai  put  to  uftlejt  expence, 
ajtd  ive  were   reduced  to  our  prejent  melancholy  fituatiin  f 

If  k  holds  forth  nothing  why  was  it  propofed  ?  Unlefs  it»- 
dced  to  deceive  you  into  a  belief  that  we  were  imwilling  to 
itllen  to  any  terms  of  accommodation:  but  what  is  fubmittcd 
to  our  co»fideratiou  ?  we  con'icnd  for  the  difpofal  of  our  pro- 
perty ;  we  are  told  that  our  demand  is  unreafonable,  that  our 
affemblies  may  indeed  colleft  our  money,  but  that  tliey  muft 
at  the  fame  time  offer,  not  what  your  exigencies  or  ours  may 
lequire,  bvit  fo  much  as  fliall  be  deemed  fufficicnt  to  fatisty  the 
dcliies  of  a  minilter,  and  enable  him  to  provide  for  favorites 
and  dependants.  (A  rccarrcnct  to  your  oim  treafury  will  convime 
yott  hoiw  litik  cf  tiie  mmt\  ah  fo-h  extorted  from  ut  hat  been  applied  to  the 
mUefcfyour  burdent)  To  fuppoie  that  we  would  thus  grafp  the. 
ihadovv  and  give  up  ihe  fubliancc,  is  adding  infult  to  injuries. 

We  liave  neverthelefs  again  prefented  an  humble  and  du- 
tiful petition  to  our  Sovereign  :  and  tc^  remove  every  imputation 
ot  obliiuacy,  have  icfiuefted  his  Maicftv  fo  direft  fome  mod©. 


[^^ 


if  IS-  ] 


I«- 


by  wliidi  the  vnited  applieatloni  of  khfahhfui  colotvflt  tnty  he  rmftrffved 
iiito  a  happy  and  ptrnument  Recouciliati'on*  We  arc  willing  to  treat 
tm  fuch  terms  as  can  aione  render  an  accommodation  lafting, 
and  we  flatter  ourfelves,  that  otir  pacific  endeavonrs  will  be  at- 
tended with  a  rtmijval  of  the  iroopt,  a  repeal  of  thofe  laxvi,  of  the 
cperationt  of  which  ive  complain  on  the  one  part,  and  a  dijjllution  of  our 
army  and  commerdal  ajfociationi  on  the  other. 

Yet  conctiide  not  from  this,  that  we  jiropofe  h  ftirrendir  otrr 
property  into  the  hatidi  of  your  mhiiflry,  or  vefl  your  parliament  with  a 
jpower  which  may  terminate  in  our  deftruSiion.^-~—'T\\e  fjreat  bul- 
warks of  our  conftitution  we  have  defired  to  maintain  by  every 
temperate,  l^  every  peaceable  means ;  but  your  minifters,  (equal 
foes  to  Britilh  and  American  freedom)  have  added  to  their  for- 
mer oppreflRons,  an  attempt  to  reduce  ut  by  the  fwcrd  to  a  bafe  anct 
ahjd£i  fubm'fp.cf:.  On  the  fword  therefore  we  are  compelled  to 
rely  for  proteftion.  Should  vidilory  declare  in  your  favour,  yet 
men  trained  to  arms  from  their  Infancy,  and  animated  by  the  Jjrue 
ofLibcrty^  will  afford  neither  a  cheap  or  eafy  conqucft.  Of  this 
at  leaft  we  are  affured,  that  our  struggle  will  be  glorious,  our 
fucccf^i  certain,  fmce  even  in  death  we  fliall  find  that  freedoni 
which  in  life  you  forbid  us  to  enjoy.    -     -m'»»   .-t- 

Let  us  now  afk,  /^/wf  advantages  are  to  attend  our  rcduElion  ? 
the  ttak  rf  a  ruined  and  difolated  country  ii  always  inccnjidsrable,  its 
revenue  trifling  ;  tlis  expcnce  of  fubje£iitig  and  retaining  it  in  fuhjcSiica 
crrtoin  and  itK-w'iabk.  Wliat  tlien  remains  but  the  gratifications 
of  an  ill-judged  pride,  or  the  hope  of  rendering  us  fubfervient 
to  defigns  ai  j'cwr  liberty.  ..;  -•  ' 

Soldiers  \\\\o  have  fneathed  their  fwords  in  the  bowel?  of  their 
Jmerican  Brethnn,  will  not  draw  them  wiili  more  reluctance  ^' 
ga'nfl  you,  wlien  too  late  you  may  liment  the  lofs  of  that  freedom, 
which  we  exhort  you,  while  Itill  in  your  power,   to  prefervc. 

'  On  the  other  hand,  fhould you  prove  mfucccfful ;  fliould  that 
ccnntStion  which  we  mofi  ardently  wifh  to  maintain  be  dijj'olved  ;  ftioulS 
your  miinUert  exhattft  your  triafutes ;  tvafle  the  blood  of  your  country-men 
in  vain  attempts  on  cur  Liberty  ;  do  they  net  deliver  you,  weak  an3 
defencclefi,  to  your  natural  emmici  ? 

?■  "ce  then  voM*"  Liberty  muft  be  the  price  of  your  victories,  your 
ruin  of  your  defeat,  What  blind  fatality  can  urge  you  to  a  pa- 
fuit  deHruilive  of  all  that  Britons  hold  dear  ? 

1^ 


< 


«  If  you  have  no  re^rd  to  the  ^pnndSiop  tlM|t<has  for  ajres  fub- . 
fified  between  us  ;  if  you  have  forgot  the  wouodi  W€  received 
iSghting  by  your  fide,  for  the  extenfion  of  the  CBJtpbt  $  if  our 
commerce  is  an  object  below  your  confideratbn.;  if  (iiftice  and 
humanity  have  loft  their  influence  on  your  hearts,  ftill  motives 
a,re  not  wanting  to  excite  your  indignation  at  the  mea  Aires  npw 
purfiied :  your  wealth,  your  honour,  your  l^lberty  are  at  ftake.  ^ 

Notwithllanding  tlie  difirefs  to  which  we  aie  reduced,  we 
fometime:*  forget  our  own  affli^lions  to  anticipate  and  fympa- 
thize  inyours.  We  grieve  that  raOi  and  inconiiderate  councils 
ihould  precipitate  the  defiruftion  of  an  empire,  which  has  been 
the  envy  and  admiration  of  ages ;  and  call  God  to  witnef;),  that 
we  wouid  part  with  our  property,  endanger  our  lives,  and  fa-, 
crifice  every  thing  but  Liberty,  to  redeem  you  from  ruin. 

A  cknid  hangs  over  your  heads  and  ours ;  e'er  this  reaches' 
you,  it  may  probably  have  burft  upon  us ;  let  us  then  (before 
the  remend>rance  of  former  kindnefs  is  c^Uterated)  once  more 
repeat  thol{^  appeUatiops  which  arc  ever  grateful  in  our  ears. 
Let  us  entrefit  heaven  to  avert  our  ruin,  and  the  deilruAion  that 
threatens  our  friends,  brethren,  and  countrymCb  on  the  other 
fide  of  the  Atlantic.  ^^ 

By  Order  of  the  CONGRESS, 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  Prefident. 

AtteHed  by  t 

CHARLES  THOMPSON,  Sccictary. 
pHiLADElPHiA,  July  8,  I775> 


i- 


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V' 


;:■;•»:''■     -  v -^  Wrt'ii^  V?>it^fell 'IW^it^^  '  i^^'"*'*''^*"^  ■* 


■.*^^->-  ■:-;'         *  *  "    i  ^'.-i  li-ii.l  mi,:i:^  j*iiJl,ial/;^vif^j.;A^v^.  Will-  '. 


^ 


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